An Evening of Impact: Highlights from Kaleidoscope Trust’s Annual Reception

Last week, friends and allies of Kaleidoscope Trust came together for our annual December Reception, a celebration of solidarity, hope, and unwavering commitment to advancing LGBTI+ rights worldwide. The evening wasn’t just a reflection on progress—it was a tribute to the individuals driving change and a call to action for the challenges still ahead.

Our CEO, Alex Farrow, set an uplifting tone for the evening, declaring that “love can actually win.” We can see the proof in recent milestones: from Botswana to Mauritius, Barbados to Trinidad and Tobago, and Namibia—progress has taken root in profound ways.

The speakers of the night underscored this momentum with their powerful insights. Tim Jones CBE, Executive Director of Tata Group, shared a transformative perspective on workplace inclusion, emphasising that people thrive when they can truly be themselves. Nia Griffith, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Equalities, offered a poignant reflection on how far we’ve come—recalling that the last Labour government had to confront the discriminatory Section 28 head-on. Kate Burgess, representing the Canadian High Commission, reminded us that allies across the globe, like Canada, stand steadfast in the mission to secure dignity and peace for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The night’s pinnacle moment was the presentation of Kaleidoscope Trust’s Lifetime Achievement Awards by Michael Gunning, Kaleidoscope Trust patron and retired professional swimmer. The awards honoured two remarkable individuals whose courage and vision have reshaped the landscape for LGBTI+ rights.

First, we celebrated Baroness Lynne Featherstone, a pioneer whose advocacy for equality culminated in her pivotal role as the architect of the UK’s same-sex marriage bill. Her work has forever changed the lives of countless couples who can now marry the person they love.

Equally inspiring was the recognition of Friedel Dausab, a fearless advocate from Namibia who successfully challenged the constitutionality of Namibia’s sodomy law this year. This historic legal victory has opened doors to greater freedoms and rights for LGBTI+ individuals across the country.

The achievements of Baroness Featherstone and Friedel Dausab are a testament to the transformative power of advocacy, resilience, and the belief that every person deserves to live freely and authentically.

But as Nia Griffith poignantly reminded us, our celebration exists alongside a sobering reality. In 63 countries, same-sex relationships remain criminalised, and millions face escalating hostility and violence. Progress, as Friedel noted, often provokes backlash. Securing these fragile gains requires sustained funding and robust infrastructure to counteract opposition forces that vastly outspend us.

The message is clear: the movement for LGBTI+ rights is underfunded, with opposition forces outspending us three to one. Yet, as Friedel emphasised, organisations like Kaleidoscope Trust and the grassroots movements they support have already saved lives and driven profound legal and social change.

With champions like Baroness Featherstone, Friedel Dausab, and countless others, we are reminded of the power of people to create lasting change. Now, more than ever, it’s time to fortify the progress we’ve made and stand together for a future where love and equality prevail.

In this fight there is no cavalry coming to save us, it is up to us to hold the line in this fight. 

We are the movement.